“According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia. They continued for nearly 12 centuries, until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. that all such “pagan cults” be banned.

“The ancient Olympic Games were initially a one-day event until 684 BC, when they were extended to three days. In the 5th century B.C., the Games were extended again to cover five days.”

Ancient events included:

Running.

Jumping.

Discus throw.

Wrestling. This was highly valued as a form of military exercise without weapons. It ended only when one of the contestants admitted defeat.

Boxing.

Pankration – a form of martial arts.

Equestrian.

So, class, let me pose this question– Why would the IOC eliminate a sport valued the world over, a sport as historic and traditional as Wrestling?

Well, in case you haven’t been paying attention, they did. Why will Wrestling be eliminated? So the IOC can make room for professional golfers.

The IOC already eliminated the very popular sports of baseball and softball because they felt they were too Western… Now the IOC is eliminating Wrestling, a sport in which many smaller nations participate.

Wrestling has been an historic part of the Olympics, if not in fact then in spirit, for over 2500 years.

We have Olympic badminton. We have Olympic ballroom dancing. We have Olympic synchronized diving and synchronized swimming. We have Olympic rhythmic gymnastics.

But we can’t have Wrestling? Shame on you, IOC. Shame.

My husband, who was an All-State Wrestler back in the day, plans to boycott the Summer Olympics until Wrestling is restored.